How has rising public health spending improved access to preventive and curative care?
Synopsis
The Economic Survey 2025-26 reveals groundbreaking advancements in public health due to increased spending, enabling better access to preventive and curative care. This has led to drastic reductions in mortality rates and highlights the importance of digital innovations in healthcare.
Key Takeaways
Public health investment has greatly improved healthcare access.
India has seen a significant decline in maternal and infant mortality rates.
Digital innovations are transforming healthcare delivery.
Key initiatives like Ayushman Bharat are pivotal for progress.
Healthcare improvements contribute to economic productivity .
New Delhi, Jan 29 (NationPress) The increase in public health expenditure has significantly enhanced both the accessibility and affordability of preventive and curative care across the nation, as highlighted in the Economic Survey 2025-26 released on Thursday.
The Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman, presented the Economic Survey in Parliament, emphasizing the crucial role of public health improvements in bolstering human capital and boosting economic productivity.
"The nation has made remarkable strides in healthcare access by offering improved and more affordable facilities through public health investments, which include preventive and curative care, nutrition, and health insurance," it noted.
These advancements are reflected in the significant reductions in infant and maternal mortality rates, broader immunization coverage, and enhanced access to primary healthcare services.
Programs such as the National Health Mission, Ayushman Bharat, and various disease control initiatives have played a pivotal role in these improvements.
The Survey reported that since 1990, India's maternal mortality rate (MMR) has plummeted by 86 percent, surpassing the global average decline of 48 percent.
Furthermore, there has been a 78 percent drop in the under-five mortality rate (U5MR), exceeding a global reduction of 61 percent, along with a 70 percent decline in the neonatal mortality rate (NMR) compared to a global average of 54 percent from 1990 to 2023.
Remarkably, the infant mortality rate (IMR) has decreased by over 37 percent in the last decade, falling from 40 deaths25 in 2023. This reflects improvements in neonatal and maternal healthcare, as well as overall health and socioeconomic conditions.
The Survey also emphasized the role of digital technologies and ICT innovations in establishing integrated healthcare and insurance systems that enhance transparency, reduce fragmentation, and expand access.
"Initiatives like the Hospital Management Information System, Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), and e-Sanjeevani have improved citizens' access to digital health services, fostered digital employment opportunities, enabled evidence-based policymaking, and enhanced hospital management," it concluded.
Point of View
This report underscores the critical connection between public health investment and national prosperity. The strides made in healthcare accessibility are not just statistics; they represent lives improved and futures secured. A commitment to health is a commitment to a brighter national future.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What impact has increased public health spending had?
Increased public health spending has significantly improved access and affordability of preventive and curative care, leading to better health outcomes.
What are some initiatives contributing to this improvement?
Initiatives such as the National Health Mission and Ayushman Bharat have played key roles in enhancing healthcare access and quality.
How have mortality rates changed?
Since 1990, maternal mortality rates have decreased by 86%, while under-five mortality rates have fallen by 78%, reflecting substantial progress in healthcare.
What role do digital technologies play in healthcare?
Digital technologies enhance healthcare access and management, enabling better services and transparency through systems like the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission.
